Container means

ABSTRACT

A container having the shape of a right angle pyramid with a center void space for packaging of one or more items is constructed from at least four interconnected semirigid sections designed to be folded together. The assembled container is especially adapted for use in the corner void space of a larger rectangular container.

United States Patent 1 Keller CONTAINER MEANS [75] Inventor: John Ansley Keller, Creamery, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Heavy Light Mfg. Corp., Fairview Village, Pa.

221 Filed: May 13,1974

21 Appl. N0.2 469,168

[52] US. Cl 229/22; 229/l4 C; 206/521 [51] Int. Cl B65d 5/00; 865d 5/58 [58] Field of Search 229/22, 14 C; 206/521 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l,624,360 4/1927 Oppenheim 229/l4 C 2,515,026 7/l950 Van Rosen 229/22 2,598,627 5/l952 Weiss 229/22 [45] June 17, 1975 2,769,534 1 H1956 Lidgard 229/[4 C X 3,635,330 l/l972 Merrick et a]. 229/22 X 3,638,848 2/1972 Heyworth 229/22 X 3,822,036 7/1974 Goodsitt 229/l4 C Primary Examiner-Davis T. Moorhead Attorney, Agent, or FirmRoger Norman Coe; Thomas M. Ferrill, Jr

[57] ABSTRACT A container having the shape of a right angle pyramid with a center void space for packaging of one or more items is constructed from at least four interconnected semirigid sections designed to be folded together, The assembled container is especially adapted for use in the corner void space of a larger rectangular container.

10 Claims, 5 Drawlng Figures CONTAINER MEANS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to container means and, more particularly, to a right angle pyramid-shaped container used for packaging one or more different items, which container is especially adapted for use in the corner void space of larger rectangular container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The obvious objective of the packaging art is that of achieving maximum protection of packaged items at minimum cost. Implementation of this objective becomes quite complicated. The difficulty in designing proper packaging increases with the number of separate items to be packaged together, the sensitivity of packaged items to movement and the presence of curved or irregular shapes to be packaged. Breakage is a principal concern with respect to glass, plastic, ceramic and similar type items whereas damage to the appearance, e.g., scratching. is a consideration with respect to substantially nonbreakable solid items.

Packaging must be planned in such a manner that small component parts can be readily located during an unpacking operation. Items which are breakable and/or sensitive to movement are usually individually handwrapped in protective material. There have been instances in which the material used for wrapping small breakable items is identical to that used to fill void spaces in the container and this has occasionally resulted in the loss of small individually wrapped items when a time-consuming effort was not made to carefully examine all of the packaging material. It has also been conventional practice with respect to flat pancake-shaped items to pack such items along the side wall or the bottom of a box. sometimes under a faise section. While this permits effective use of space and packaging safety the flat item can be overlooked during an unpacking operation. By the time one discovers the item is missing the container may have been destroyed or otherwise disposed of.

Careful utilization of space is essential in the packaging art. Another important consideration is the use of packaging to improve the structural integrity of the overall container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a container for the protection of irregularly shaped components.

Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a container designed to fill the void space inside a cor ner of a larger rectangular shaped container.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide interconnected semirigid member sections designed to be folded together to form a right angle pyramid with an enclosed space for the protection of one or more components to be packaged.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive container which can be assembled rapidly.

In accordance with the present invention, a container is constructed from at least four interconnected semirigid member sections designed to be folded together to form a right angle pyramid having a center void space for the packaging of one or more items. The

shape of the container makes it particularly adaptable for filling the void space in a corner of a larger rectangular shaped container or box. For additional security and/or ease of assembly tape or other suitable means can be utilized to adhere at least two of the semirigid member sections together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other and further objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa box with one corner partially broken away in order to show a right angle pyramid-shaped container in accordance with the present invention positioned in an inside upper corner of the box;

FIG. 2 is a top view ofa container in accordance with the present invention which container is in unassembled form;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views illustrating the container of FIG. 2 in partially assembled form and including certain packaged items; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a completely assembled container in accordance with the present invention which container includes packaged items shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The container means of the present invention can be conveniently transported in a flat position and readily erected for use. By appropriate use ofcreased members and slots the container of the present invention can be rapidly assembled. The container can be used to form a complete structure without the addition of any other material. Nevertheless, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, tape or other suitable means can be used to facilitate assembly of the sections of the container.

Referring to FIG. 1, a large box 10 is illustrated with a corner broken away to show a right angle pyramidshaped container 11 having two sections 12 and 13 which are at right angles to each other and which rest flat against side walls 14 and 15, respectively, of box 10. Section 17 of container 11 is substantially parallel to top flap 18 of box 10 and can rest against flap 18 when that flap is closed. Box 10 is shown to contain a spherical member 20 (indicated in phantom outline) as its principal contents. Container I I rests against sphere 20 filling the void space between the sphere and the corner of box 10 formed by side walls 14 and 15 where these side walls join together with top flap 18. Thus, container 11 occupies an unused area of box 10 and helps to prevent shifting of spherical member 20 inside box 10 during handling and shipment. In addition, container l1 improves the structural rigidity of box 10 by reinforcing a corner of the box.

Container 11 is illustrated in further detail in unassembled form by FIG. 2. The container is made up of semirigid material such as heavy paper, cardboard and the like and has at least four sections. Five distinct sections l2, l3, 17, 22 and 26 are shown in FIG. 2. Section 22 is a T-shaped member which is joined to pentagonal shaped section 17 along creased base line 28. Section 17 is joined to another basically pentagonal shaped section 13 along creased base line 30. Section 12 is similar to section 13 in that the shape of section 12 is substantially pentagonal. Section I2 is attached to section 13 along creased base line 32. Sections 13 and 12 each have a small notch 34 and 35, respectively, in a common side of these sections which runs perpendicular to creased base line 32. These notches are located at a point along the common side of sections 13 and I2 which is furthest from creased base line 32.

Section 26 is a triangular shaped member appearing as substantially an isosceles triangle which is connected to section 12 along creased base line 37. Another side of section 26 forms a common but separate boundary with section 17 along slot 38. The side of section 26 along slot 38 normally is just a fraction shorter than creased base line 30.

Ignoring section 22 for the moment, sections l2, l3, l7 and 26 of container 11 in the unassembled position illustrated by FIG. 2 form an octagonal shaped structure (ignoring notches 34 and 35). As previously indicated this octagonally shaped structure is joined to section 22 along creased base line 28 which forms a common boundary for sections I7 and 22.

The V-shaped tabs 40 and 41 of T-shaped section 22 are designed to become interlocked with notches 34 and 35 of sections 13 and 12, respectively, when container II is assembled in the manner hereinafter described.

Referring now to FIG. 3, container 11 is shown in partially assembled form, the container having been bent along creased base lines 30, 32 and 37. The side of section 26 which extends along slot 38 (FIG. 1) has been moved over section 17 until it lies substantially along creased base line 30. Thus section 26 is lying on top of section I7 in FIG. 3. Sections 17 and 13 are at right angles to each other, sections 13 and I2 are at right angles to each other, and sections 17 and 12 are at right angles to each other in the partially assembled form illustrated by FIG. 3. A piece of tape or other suitable means 44 (illustrated in phantom outline) can be used to maintain container 11 in this position by main taining section 12 at right angles to section 17.

In the partially assembled position of container 11 illustrated by FIG. 3 it will be seen that section 26 forms a flap lying substantially flat on section 17. This flap of section 26 can advantageously be used to retain a packed item in fixed position inside container 11. In FIG. 3, for example, a ceramic light socket 46 having connecting wires 47 is shown retained inside container 11. The flap formed by section 26 presses against wires 47 and keeps the somewhat delicate and breakable ceramic light socket 46 from being able to freely move or roll about inside container 11. In effect ceramic light socket 46 is held in a position where it rests on section 26 at the position where sections 12 and 13 join each other along creased base line 32. By securing the breakable ceramic light socket 46 in this manner other components can be placed inside the same structural container 11 without fear of damaging any of the packaged components. This is illustrated by and will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4.

It will be understood that section 26 strengthens the rigidity of the structure of container 11 illustrated in FIG. 3 and can advantageously be used to secure pack aged components in a more or less fixed position. Ininstances where these functions are unnecessary section 26 can be eliminated entirely. In such a case section 12 simply forms a right angle with section I7, the sections normally being secured in this position by suitable means.

Referring to FIG. 4 partially assembled container II is shown containing an irregular shaped electrical light mounting member 50. This mounting member 50 is placed inside container 11 in such a manner that it rests against sections 12, 13 and 17 without contacting ceramic light socket 46 (FIG. 2). This arrangement permits section 22 to be folded along creased base line 28 such that tab members 40 and 41 engage notches 34 and 35, respectively, thereby retaining mounting member 50 in position.

In FIG. 5 section 22 has been folded along creased base line 28 and tab members 40 and 41 (FIG. 4) have been wrapped down and around V-shaped notches 34 and 35, respectively. If desired, tab members 40 and 41 can be further retained in this position by application of tape 52 and tape 53, or some other suitable means. Assembled container 11 illustrated in FIG. 5 can, if desired, then be placed in still a further container, e.g., FIG. 1.

The relative scale illustrated in FIG. 2 with respect to the proportions of each section is substantially accu rate. It will be understood that these proportions can be modified to either increase or decrease the size of the container in order to meet particular requirements.

While section 22 of container 11 has been illustrated as T-shaped with one end of section 22 being identical in length with creased base line 28, which forms a common boundary of sections 17 and 22, it will be understood that the base of section 22 could extend beyond the common boundary on one or both sides. By extending the base of section 22 at the bottom and along edges 55 and 56 the thus extended portions of section 22 can be used to enclose the openings separating sections 12 and 22 and the openings separating sections 13 and 22 (FIG. 5). This modified arrangement is beneficial primarily when multiple small components are being packaged inside container 11 rather than one or more larger structural items, such as mounting member 50, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, which occupies substantially the entire space inside container 11 and which will be retained inside container 11 by section 22 until the container is disassembled:

While notches 34 and 35 are designed to facilitate interconnection with tabs 40 and 41, respectively, it will be understood that slots in sections 12 and 13 can also be employed for interconnection with tabs 40 and 4!. In addition means other than tape can be used to retain sections I2 and 17 together. For example, a tab and slot arrangement can be used to join these two sections together to form a right angle.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is well adapted to obtain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the system. Not only are the containers of this invention easy to assemble but they are inexpensive to manufacture and can be disposed of readily. While primary emphasis has been placed on the enclosure of physical items which are solid in nature, it will be understood that the container can be used for protecting granular. powdered or even liquid material contained in a paper. plastic or other suitable container particularly when such material must be transported in a larger container and needs to be firmly secured while the larger container is being transported.

The containers of the present invention not only have the advantage of being able to effectively utilize what often amounts to a void space inside a larger container, but they also provide a convenient and effective way of transmitting breakable components without requiring separate hand wrapping of such components.

Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. Unassembled container means comprising at least four sections, including:

a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and a third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side; and

b. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section, wherein said T- shaped section contains means for interconnection with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, such that when the sections are folded along their respective boundaries a right angle pyramid shaped container is formed.

2. Unassembled container means as in claim 1 in which the sections are made of cardboard.

3. Unassembled container means as in claim I in which the means for interconnection of the T-shaped section with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, comprises tabs on the T-shaped member which interconnect with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively. upon assembly of the container.

4. Unassembled container means as in claim 1 which further comprises a triangular section which has a common side with the third pentagonal section and which in conjunction with the unassembled first pentagonal section, second pentagonal section and third pentagonal section forms a member substantially octagonal in configuration.

5. Container means in the shape of a right angle pyramid having a void space between sections comprising the container, said container comprising at least four sections, including:

a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and a third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side; and

b. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section and wherein said T- shaped section contains means which engage the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively.

6. Container means as in claim 5 in which sections are made of cardboard.

7. Container means as in claim 5 in which the means which engage the T-shaped section with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, comprises tabs on the T-shaped section which become interlocked with indentations present in the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively.

8. Container means as in claim 5 which further comprises a triangular section having a common side with the third pentagonal section, which triangular shaped section overlaps a portion of the first pentagonal section.

9. Container means as in claim 5 in which a right angle is formed between the first and second pentagonal sections, a right angle is formed between the first and third pentagonal sections, and in which a right angle is formed between the second and third pentagonal sections.

10. Container means in the shape of a right angle pyramid having a void space between the five sections comprising the container, which container includes:

a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which a right angle is formed between the first and second pentagonal sections, and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side and a right angle is formed between the second and third pentagonal sections, and a right angle is formed between the first and third pentagonal sections; and

b. a triangular section, which triangular section has a common side with a third pentagonal section and in which a right angle is formed between the triangular section and the third pentagonal section; and

c. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section and wherein said T- shaped section contains means for interconnection with the second and third pentagonal sections, re-

spectively.

l i k 

1. Unassembled container means comprising at least four sections, including: a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and a third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side; and b. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section, wherein said T-shaped section contains means for interconnection with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, such that when the sections are folded along their respective boundaries a right angle pyramid shaped container is formed.
 2. Unassembled container means as in claim 1 in which the sections are made of cardboard.
 3. Unassembled container means as in claim 1 in which the means for interconnection of the T-shaped section with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, comprises tabs on the T-shaped member which interconnect with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, upon assembly of the container.
 4. Unassembled container means as in claim 1 which further comprises a triangular section which has a cOmmon side with the third pentagonal section and which in conjunction with the unassembled first pentagonal section, second pentagonal section and third pentagonal section forms a member substantially octagonal in configuration.
 5. Container means in the shape of a right angle pyramid having a void space between sections comprising the container, said container comprising at least four sections, including: a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and a third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side; and b. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section and wherein said T-shaped section contains means which engage the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively.
 6. Container means as in claim 5 in which sections are made of cardboard.
 7. Container means as in claim 5 in which the means which engage the T-shaped section with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively, comprises tabs on the T-shaped section which become interlocked with indentations present in the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively.
 8. Container means as in claim 5 which further comprises a triangular section having a common side with the third pentagonal section, which triangular shaped section overlaps a portion of the first pentagonal section.
 9. Container means as in claim 5 in which a right angle is formed between the first and second pentagonal sections, a right angle is formed between the first and third pentagonal sections, and in which a right angle is formed between the second and third pentagonal sections.
 10. Container means in the shape of a right angle pyramid having a void space between the five sections comprising the container, which container includes: a. a first pentagonal section, a second pentagonal section and third pentagonal section, in which the first and second pentagonal sections have a common side and in which a right angle is formed between the first and second pentagonal sections, and in which the second and third pentagonal sections have a common side and a right angle is formed between the second and third pentagonal sections, and a right angle is formed between the first and third pentagonal sections; and b. a triangular section, which triangular section has a common side with a third pentagonal section and in which a right angle is formed between the triangular section and the third pentagonal section; and c. a T-shaped section, said section being connected to the first pentagonal section and wherein said T-shaped section contains means for interconnection with the second and third pentagonal sections, respectively. 